Joshua 15:17
New International Version
Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, took it; so Caleb gave his daughter Aksah to him in marriage.

New Living Translation
Othniel, the son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz, was the one who conquered it, so Acsah became Othniel’s wife.

English Standard Version
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.

Berean Standard Bible
So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.

King James Bible
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

New King James Version
So Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.

New American Standard Bible
Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it; so he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife.

NASB 1995
Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it; so he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife.

NASB 1977
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it; so he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, captured it; so he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife.

Amplified Bible
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s brother, captured it; so he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife.

Christian Standard Bible
So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother, Kenaz, captured it, and Caleb gave his daughter Achsah to him as a wife.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother, Kenaz, captured it, and Caleb gave his daughter Achsah to him as a wife.

American Standard Version
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Contemporary English Version
Caleb's nephew Othniel captured Kiriath-Sepher, and Caleb let him marry Achsah.

English Revised Version
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Othniel, son of Caleb's brother Kenaz, captured it. So Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah as a wife.

Good News Translation
Othniel, the son of Caleb's brother Kenaz, captured the city, so Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah in marriage.

International Standard Version
Othniel, the son of Caleb's brother Kenaz, captured it, so Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah as his wife.

Majority Standard Bible
So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.

NET Bible
When Othniel son of Kenaz, Caleb's brother, captured it, Caleb gave Acsah his daughter to him as a wife.

New Heart English Bible
Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter for a wife.

World English Bible
Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter as wife.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Othniel son of Kenaz, brother of Caleb, captures it, and he gives his daughter Achsah to him for a wife.

Young's Literal Translation
And Othniel son of Kenaz, brother of Caleb, doth capture it, and he giveth to him Achsah his daughter for a wife.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Othniel, son of Kenaz will take it, the brother of Caleb, and he will give to him Achsah his daughter for a wife.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Othoniel the son of Cenez, the younger brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Axa his daughter to wife.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Othniel, the son of Kenaz, the younger brother of Caleb, seized it. And he gave him Achsah, his daughter, as wife.

New American Bible
Othniel captured it, the son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz; so Caleb gave him his daughter Achsah in marriage.

New Revised Standard Version
Othniel son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him his daughter Achsah as wife.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Athnayel, son of Qanaz, the brother of Kalab, defeated it, and he gave him Aksa his daughter as a wife
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it; and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Gothoniel the son of Chenez the brother of Chaleb took it; and he gave him Ascha his daughter to wife.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Caleb's Portion and Conquest
16And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” 17So Othniel son of Caleb’s brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. 18One day Acsah came to Othniel and urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you desire?”…

Cross References
Judges 1:13
So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage.

Judges 3:9-11
But when the Israelites cried out to the LORD, He raised up Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz as a deliverer to save them. / The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge and went out to war. And the LORD delivered Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram into the hand of Othniel, who prevailed against him. / So the land had rest for forty years, until Othniel son of Kenaz died.

1 Chronicles 4:13
The sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah. The sons of Othniel: Hathath and Meonothai.

Judges 1:12-15
And Caleb said, “To the man who strikes down Kiriath-sepher and captures it, I will give my daughter Acsah in marriage.” / So Othniel son of Caleb’s younger brother Kenaz captured the city, and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah to him in marriage. / One day Acsah came to Othniel and urged him to ask her father for a field. When she got off her donkey, Caleb asked her, “What do you desire?” ...

1 Samuel 25:44
But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

1 Samuel 18:27
David and his men went out and killed two hundred Philistines. He brought their foreskins and presented them as payment in full to become the king’s son-in-law. Then Saul gave his daughter Michal to David in marriage.

1 Samuel 14:49-50
Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchishua. His two daughters were named Merab (his firstborn) and Michal (his younger daughter). / His wife’s name was Ahinoam daughter of Ahimaaz. The name of the commander of his army was Abner, the son of Saul’s uncle Ner.

1 Samuel 17:25
Now the men of Israel had been saying, “Do you see how this man keeps coming out to defy Israel? To the man who kills him the king will give great riches. And he will give him his daughter in marriage and exempt his father’s house from taxation in Israel.”

1 Samuel 18:17-19
Then Saul said to David, “Here is my older daughter Merab. I will give her to you in marriage. Only be valiant for me and fight the LORD’s battles.” But Saul was thinking, “I need not raise my hand against him; let the hand of the Philistines be against him.” / And David said to Saul, “Who am I, and what is my family or my father’s clan in Israel, that I should become the son-in-law of the king?” / So when it was time to give Saul’s daughter Merab to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel of Meholah.

1 Samuel 25:39-42
On hearing that Nabal was dead, David said, “Blessed be the LORD, who has upheld my cause against the reproach of Nabal and has restrained His servant from evil. For the LORD has brought the wickedness of Nabal down upon his own head.” Then David sent word to Abigail, asking her to become his wife. / When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” / She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” ...

1 Samuel 25:3
His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.

1 Samuel 25:40-42
When his servants came to Abigail at Carmel, they said, “David has sent us to take you as his wife.” / She arose, bowed facedown, and said, “Here is your servant, ready to serve and to wash the feet of my lord’s servants.” / So Abigail hurried and got on a donkey, and attended by five of her maidens, she followed David’s messengers and became his wife.

1 Samuel 25:43
David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel. So she and Abigail were both his wives.

1 Samuel 18:20-21
Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David, and when this was reported to Saul, it pleased him. / “I will give her to David,” Saul thought, “so that she may be a snare to him, and the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” So Saul said to David, “For a second time now you can be my son-in-law.”

1 Samuel 18:28
When Saul realized that the LORD was with David and that his daughter Michal loved David,


Treasury of Scripture

And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Othniel

Judges 1:13
And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife.

Judges 3:9,11
And when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb's younger brother…

Kenaz

Joshua 14:6
Then the children of Judah came unto Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite said unto him, Thou knowest the thing that the LORD said unto Moses the man of God concerning me and thee in Kadeshbarnea.

Numbers 32:12
Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenezite, and Joshua the son of Nun: for they have wholly followed the LORD.

Achsah

1 Chronicles 2:49
She bare also Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbenah, and the father of Gibea: and the daughter of Caleb was Achsah.

Jump to Previous
Achsah Acsah Caleb Caleb's Capture Captured Daughter Kenaz Marriage Othniel Oth'ni-El Wife
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Achsah Acsah Caleb Caleb's Capture Captured Daughter Kenaz Marriage Othniel Oth'ni-El Wife
Joshua 15
1. The borders of the lot of Judah
13. Caleb's portion and conquest
16. Othniel, for his valour, marries Achsah, Caleb's daughter
18. She obtains a blessing of her father
21. The cities of Judah
63. The Jebusites unconquered














So Othniel son of Kenaz
The name "Othniel" means "God is my strength" in Hebrew, which is fitting for a man who would later become Israel's first judge (Judges 3:9-11). Othniel's lineage as the "son of Kenaz" places him within the tribe of Judah, a tribe known for its leadership and strength. Kenaz, his father, is also noted as Caleb's younger brother, which ties Othniel to a family of faith and valor. This familial connection underscores the importance of godly heritage and the influence of righteous family members in fulfilling God's purposes.

the brother of Caleb
Caleb is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for his unwavering faith and courage. As one of the two faithful spies (along with Joshua) who encouraged Israel to trust God and enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14), Caleb's legacy is one of faithfulness and reward. The mention of Othniel as Caleb's brother highlights the continuation of Caleb's legacy through his family. It also emphasizes the importance of spiritual kinship and the passing down of faith and courage from one generation to the next.

took it
This phrase refers to Othniel's successful conquest of Kiriath-sepher (Debir), a city in the territory of Judah. The act of "taking" the city demonstrates Othniel's bravery and reliance on God's strength, fulfilling Caleb's challenge (Joshua 15:16). It serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises through human obedience and action. The victory is not just a military achievement but a spiritual one, showcasing the power of faith in action.

and Caleb gave his daughter Acsah
In ancient Israel, marriages often served to strengthen family alliances and ensure the continuation of a family's legacy. Caleb's decision to give his daughter Acsah to Othniel as a reward for his bravery signifies the high value placed on courage and faithfulness. Acsah's name, meaning "anklet" or "adornment," suggests her value and beauty, both physically and spiritually. This union is a picture of God's blessings upon those who are faithful and courageous in His service.

to him in marriage
Marriage in the biblical context is a covenant relationship, reflecting God's covenant with His people. The marriage of Othniel and Acsah symbolizes the union of faith and action, as well as the blessings that come from obedience to God's commands. It also highlights the role of family in God's plan, as the union would produce future generations who would continue to serve the Lord. This marriage serves as an inspirational reminder of the rewards of faithfulness and the importance of godly partnerships in fulfilling God's purposes.

Verse 17. - The brother of Caleb. The Hebrew does not inform us whether Othniel or Kenaz were Caleb's brother. But the fact (see note on Joshua 14:6) that Caleb was the son of Jephunneh leads to the idea that the latter is meant. Othniel was a valiant and capable commander, as we learn from Judges 3:9.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So Othniel
עָתְנִיאֵ֥ל (‘ā·ṯə·nî·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6274: Othniel -- a hero in Israel

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Caleb’s
כָלֵ֑ב (ḵā·lêḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3612: Caleb -- a son of Jephunneh and sent by Moses to spy out the land

brother
אֲחִ֣י (’ă·ḥî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 251: A brother, )

Kenaz
קְנַ֖ז (qə·naz)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7073: Kenaz -- an Edomite, also two Israelites

took it,
וַֽיִּלְכְּדָ֛הּ (way·yil·kə·ḏāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

and Caleb gave
וַיִּתֶּן־ (way·yit·ten-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

his daughter
בִתּ֖וֹ (ḇit·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

Acsah
עַכְסָ֥ה (‘aḵ·sāh)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5915: Achsah -- a daughter of Caleb

to him
ל֛וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

in marriage.
לְאִשָּֽׁה׃ (lə·’iš·šāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female


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OT History: Joshua 15:17 Othniel the son of Kenaz the brother (Josh. Jos)
Joshua 15:16
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